Best action/sci fi movie I've seen in two years

Rating: 10/10 (24 July 2005)

Despite the critical bashing it's received from reviewers and friend, I figured we'd give it a fair shake anyhow, since the IMDb rated it above our other option for the afternoon, the remake of Bad News Bears.
Oh. My.
When we came out of it, my husband & I pretty much looked at each other and said "What the h*ll is everyone complaining about? That movie rocked!"
We seriously loved it. Both of us agree that it's the best action movie we've seen all year. Maybe in two years. It was fantastic! The story was actually based on a premise we find plausible, the acting was good, the stars are gorgeous. Steve Buscemi was great, of course. There were funny moments without overplaying the jokes. There were some silly action sequences, but you know what? If I am having a good time, I am willing to believe that someone could fall 70 stories holding on to a piece of scaffolding, and somehow get caught in a net and not be injured. There was never a point where there were so many bullets flying around it was ridiculous that they hadn't been shot. No one flew through the air in slow motion. Sure, there was cheesy dialogue, but I don't go to a movie like this for the script, that's what Cameron Crowe movies are for.
Also, the female lead was not a) too tough to be believed or b) all bimboed up with mass cleavage and tiny skirts. She was modestly dressed the whole time, and was competent without being over the top action hero girl. There was one sex scene, it fit with the plot, and was tastefully filmed.
Seriously, I wish I understood why people don't like it. I thought it was bloody terrific. I've been in a good mood all day just because I had such a great time at the movies!
I give it two paws up.